Transcript Iranian Revolution

Iranian Revolution
(1978 - 1979)
WHY did the Iranian Revolution start?
The Iranian Revolution began when
many Iranians and citizens within Iran
were very dissatisfied with the rulership
of the Iranian King, Mohammad Reza
Shah Pahlavi. He replaced his father on
the throne in 1941.
It officially started in 1978 with the first
major demonstration to overthrow the
Shah. In December 1979, the Revolution
finally concluded with the Shah removed
as ruler of Iran. Ayatollah Ruhollah
Khomeini took the place of the Shah
with the approval of Iran.
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution is considered the 3rd greatest revolution in
history. On February 9th, 1979, million of Iranians came on to the
streets of Teheran to welcome the return of the religious leader
Ayatollah. He helped overthrow the much hated regime of the Shah. It
was one of the largest demonstrations in human history (this shows how
many people hated the Shah).
WHY did the people hate the
Shah so much?
The Shah relied on manipulation and
fear to lead the people. He established a
“secret police” ( SAVAK: spy on people
and report back to the Shah).
He closely identified himself with the
West (U.S.) which was clashing with the
Iranian, Muslim traditions. The Shah
really made attempts to modernize Iran
in 1953.
The Westernization of Iran
The Shah’s regime involved changes within the Muslim traditions and
ideologies which many citizens reacted strongly and negatively to.
These traditions and ideologies involved:
-banning of alcohol
-banning of tobacco
-banning of movies
-separation of the sexes
-veil for women and traditional Islamic clothing
Islamic laws were replaced with Western ones; the Shah
focused on the modernization and Westernization of Iran and
disregarded religion.
Proxy War
A proxy war is a conflict where
third parties fight on the behalf
of more powerful parties.
The Iranian revolution was a proxy
war in the sense that the Shah
used the secret police to deal
directly with the people in Iran.
Ex: SAVAK (secret police) set fire
to the Cinema Rex in August,
1978, in Abadan. 400 people in
the Cinema died.
Where America Stands…
In 1978, the Shah turned to the United States for help and support. Iran had been
pro America for quite a while, and Iran was important to America due to their
history together and Iran’s location. Therefore when the U.S. National Security
Advisor repeatedly told the Shah that the U.S. would support him 100%, it was of
no surprise.
HOWEVER, after the U.S. thought about it some more they realized that the
revolution was virtually unstoppable. Therefore, associating itself in the war and
getting involved would be unwise for them. Nonetheless, the U.S. sent in some
military troops anyway to help stabilize Iran. Thus Iran was ruling off of America’s
military and financial support.
Iran and America’s bond broken: The Hostage Crisis
In late October 1979, the exiled and
dying Shah was admitted into the
United States for cancer treatment. In
Iran there was an immediate outcry
and both Khomeini and his supporters
demanded the Shah's return to Iran for
trial and execution.
On November 4, 1979 youthful
Islamists invaded the U.S. Embassy
and seized its staff.
The holding of hostages was very
popular and continued for months
even after the death of the Shah.
It ended with the signing of the Algiers Accords in Algeria on January 19, 1981.
The hostages were formally released into United States custody the following
day, just minutes after the new American president Ronald Reagan was sworn in.
The 52 hostages had been held at the U.S. embassy in Tehran for 444 days.
They were now seen in a negative light and ever since the event, Iran and the
U.S. have been bitter adversaries.
Outcome
The outcome of the Iranian Revolution was
a positive one for Iran. Much persecution
had ended and their ideologies, religious,
and cultural traditions were preserved. It
resulted in peace in Iran and a better
government.